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Computer System Requirements for Online Learning

Published on Wednesday 9th of August, 2006

Computer system requirements for online learning include hardware that many computers are already equipped with. Although certain computer programming, business, and accounting programs may require special software programs, students will be told of these when they begin classes. Online colleges try to keep costs down as much as possible and want to students succeed using the equipment they already own.

If a student already owns a computer, he/she should refer to this check list of items that he/she will need to have. Students may have to purchase more memory or upgrade their Microsoft Office software in order to take classes, but otherwise, they should already have what they will need. Most online colleges use the Microsoft platform instead of Mac. This may be a problem for some students. They should check with admissions before enrolling in any online program. Below is a computer system checklist.

Software Requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Students should also have a printer, valid e-mail address, and Internet access. It is recommended that they should also have a monitor that is at least 1024x768 resolution to allow images to be seen clearly at all times. During the online program, students may be asked to view documents that have been scanned into the computer. These images may need to be blown up in order to see them accurately. Monitors must be able to handle these images.

Since online classes rely on computer-generated images, having a monitor, speakers, video and sound cards are valuable resources that will be needed to complete most classes. Instructors may send over audio lectures and visual worksheets that may further emphasize a point or be used in another assignment.

Students can buy additional materials if they will need to make any type of upgrade. These requirements are recommended based on what other students have used in the past. While students may be able to get away with not having a printer, it is recommended that the computer have the correct amount of memory storage. Since classes are taught online, there will be a lot written correspondence in the form of tests, worksheets, notes, spreadsheets, and assignments that will take up a lot of memory. Having a CD burner to store information will also be an asset to many students.

Once a student has the items on the checklist they will be able to begin taking classes.

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